Stichus

Overview

Stichus is a funny play written in Latin by the early Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus. It was first performed in 200 BC. The story is based on another play called Adelphoe by a writer named Menander. The play uses humor to explore themes of family and friendship.

Plot

In Athens, two sisters named Panegyris and Pamphila are married to brothers who have been away at sea for over two years. Their father wants them to marry again because they have not heard from their husbands, but the sisters refuse.

A slave named Pinacium tells Panegyris that her husband has returned. Soon after, the husband arrives and asks for time off to celebrate. Not long later, the other husband also returns. The father asks for a slave from him, and they become friends again.

A funny part of the play is when a hungry man named Gelasimus tries to get invited to dinner but keeps getting turned down. The play ends with a celebration and a dance by a slave named Stichus and his friend. The story happens in front of three houses in Athens.

Metrical and dramatic structure

Further information: Metres of Roman comedy

The play Stichus uses a simple pattern of rhythms, or metres, in its scenes. It begins and ends with songs that mix many rhythms, which is different from most plays of that time.

The story is balanced and divided into five acts. In each act, only a few characters speak, making the scenes easy to follow. The way the characters talk changes, creating a nice rhythm for the story.

The plot in detail

Panegyris and Pamphila, two sisters, are sad because their husbands have been away for over two years. Their father, Antipho, wants them to marry again, but they want to wait for their husbands to come back.

A slave named Pinacium tells them that one of their husbands, Epignomus, has returned with many treasures. The other husband, Pamphilippus, is also said to have returned. The sisters are happy to hear this.

Epignomus and his slave Stichus arrive. Stichus gets a day off and wants to have a feast. A friend named Gelasimus wants to join, but he is not allowed. Later, Stichus and his friend Sangarinus get ready for a fun dinner with another friend, Stephanium. They dance and have a good time together.

Translations

There are translations of the play Stichus in English. One translation was done by Henry Thomas Riley. You can find it at Perseus. Another translation was made by Wolfang de Melo in 2013.